Donor Stories

Gifts that will make lives better

Norman Beirnes

Each year, people in our community direct heartfelt gifts to Hospitals of Regina Foundation in honour of a loved one. Often times, these thoughtful donations symbolize a deep appreciation for the exceptional care provided at Regina’s hospitals – like that of Norman Beirnes.

Norman’s wife, Joan, received tremendous care at our hospitals that extended her quality of life for five-and- a half years before her passing in 2010. To show his gratitude and to help others, Norman donates a gift of securities to the Foundation every year. The retired University of Regina mathematics professor is also a member of the Fo undation's Legacy Society who wants to help make lives better by leaving a gift to the Foundation in his will.

“My wife and I were fortunate to have accumulated a number of stocks over the course of our careers. We were planning to enjoy a long retirement, but that all changed after she grew very ill,” says Norman.

She often said she wanted to give back, with Hospitals of Regina Foundation being top of mind. I can think of no better way to show my appreciation for the care she received than to help improve the health care services available for others at Regina’s hospitals.

Making a gift of securities to the Foundation has an immediate impact on the care provided in Regina’s three hospitals. Donating publicly traded securities like stocks, bonds and mutual funds eliminates the capital gains tax that you would pay if you sold the securities and then submitted a cheque to donate the funds.

Considering this, Norman believes a gift of securities is the perfect way to help support family members, friends and neighbours who receive care at our hospitals.

Donating securities gives me the flexibility to decide when I want to give back, and how much I choose to contribute,” says Norman. “Admittedly, the tax incentives are why I make the gift in this way – no one wants to pay any more taxes than they need to – but the real benefit is in knowing I am helping others in our community. I know Joan would be very happy about that.

“Norman has shown how donating a gift of securities is a simple process with a very positive outcome,” says Lisa Green, HRF's vice president of development. “Each year, he reviews his portfolio to determine the stocks that may have the largest capital gain. He then contacts his broker and notifies the Foundation when he has made the transaction. It is a triple win for everyone involved – contributing to better health care, eliminating capital gains tax, and receiving a charitable tax receipt.”

Interested in supporting the Foundation's efforts to make lives better for people in our community? Click here to find out how you can help, including by making a gift of securities.